Volkswagen Envisions the Classic Dune Buggy as an EV

0 0 February 2, 2019 Edit this post

By Eric Stafford, Car and Driver

Volkswagen's iconic dune buggy returns in concept form with a shocking twist-it's now fully electric. The Electric Buggy concept off-roader—also called the E-Buggy—will be officially revealed at the Geneva auto show in March, but in the meantime the company has released some new details and neon-colored images to feed our anticipation. We also have an artist's illustration (above) of what the E-Buggy could eventually look like if it ever enters the realm of possible production.

Volkswagen Dune Buggy

True to form, the concept vehicle resembles the original VW buggies that first blasted across California beaches and sand dunes in the '60s and '70s. While those versions were built on the Beetle chassis, the latest incarnation is based on the VW Group's modular electrification tool kit (MEB for short). This platform is the basis for the company's ambitious goal to electrify its entire lineup by 2030.

Obviously, the old buggy's rear-engine layout has been replaced on the concept with a yet-to-be-identified electric powertrain. However, the E-Buggy continues to carry a roll bar instead of a fixed roof and open side sills versus traditional doors. Of course, it also has the obligatory off-road rubber—meaty BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A tires are shown—that wrap around sizable 10-spoke wheels. All of this supports the concept's swoopy bodywork, fronted by distinctly round LED headlights flanking a seemingly illuminated VW badge on its nose. A minimalistic front bumper that maximizes the approach angle and sports a prominent skid plate adorn its chin.

The supplementary rendering shown at top provides a more subdued vision of the electrified dune buggy, with smoother surfacing and a front-end design that hews closer to other Volkswagen concept vehicles such as the I.D. Crozz electric crossover.